Conformable Display Stand Apparatus and Method

Abstract

A base (and method) for display of a substantially vertical member having a supporting generally cylindrical member, adapted to provide adequate lateral stability to permit the vertical member to remain upright when exposed to lateral forces, to accept and retain liquid, and to allow the liquid to come into contact with the lower end of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is retained within the base by interference fit with a member comprised of an expanding, preferably plastic, foam which is initially in an unexpanded state, and is caused to expand after the cylindrical member is introduced into the base.

We claim as our invention: 
     
         1 . A conformable display stand for supporting an object having a substantially cylindrical base in a desired orientation comprising a base of sufficient diameter and mass to provide a righting moment to counter normally expected lateral forces applied to the object and expandable structural foam contained within the stand, and providing an interference fit between the stand and the cylindrical base of the object. 
     
     
         2 . The display stand of  claim 1  further comprising a bowl with the stand for containing a liquid in addition to the foam. 
     
     
         3 . The display stand of  claim 1  wherein the structural foam is introduced into the stand from an external source after the cylindrical base is positioned in the stand. 
     
     
         4 . The display stand of  claim 1  wherein the structural foam is prepositioned in the stand prior to introduction of the cylindrical base into the stand, and the polymerization foaming reaction is initiated in situ. 
     
     
         5 . The display stand of  claim 1  further comprising three or more leg members, attached to the stand, and extending outward from the periphery thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The display stand of  claim 1  further comprising a tube for introducing aqueous matter into the stand from a remote location. 
     
     
         7 . The display stand of  claim 1  further comprising a channel for introducing aqueous matter into the stand from a remote location. 
     
     
         8 . A method for displaying an object having a substantially cylindrical base in a desired orientation comprising inserting the cylindrical base into a display stand base having sufficient diameter and mass to provide a righting moment to counter normally expected lateral forces applied to the object and causing structural foam precursors to react within the stand, expanding in volume to provide an interference fit between the stand and the cylindrical base of the object.